The Ether Dome in Boston was once filled with the screams of patients undergoing painful surgeries. In 1846, everything changed with the first successful use of anesthesia, transforming medicine forever. Dylan explores the room where pain-free surgery began.

The Ether Dome is part of the Innovation Trail, which highlights four centuries of world-changing breakthroughs from Boston.

Mohawk ironworkers built many of New York City’s iconic skyscrapers. But simultaneously, they were also building a lesser known neighborhood of their own in downtown Brooklyn – one that would become home to hundreds of Mohawk families.

Learn more about Reaghan Tarbell’s documentary, Little Caughnawaga: To Brooklyn and Back.

This week and next, we’re presenting Sound Influence: The Art and Soul of Puerto Rico.

The Río Piedras-based comedy band Los Rivera Destino talk about their musical childhoods, how making a music video in Bayamón changed their lives and careers forever, and the extremely unlikely place that has become their source of inspiration. Award-winning author Jaquira Díaz shares how salsa, bacalaítos and coquís defined her time growing up in the east coast towns of Humacoa and Fajardo. We also hear the wild story her grandmother told about aliens in El Yunque, and Jaquira describes the incredible sense of adventure she feels every time she explores the island.

Subscribe to Sound Influence: The Art and Soul of Puerto Rico wherever you get your podcasts.